Requirements To Be Fulfilled To Take The MCAT

MCAT Test Taking Essentials for Different Types of Candidates

MCAT is a mandatory test for those who want to
join a medical school. It is
a standardized test that will test you on Physical Sciences, Biological
Sciences, and Verbal Reasoning. There is also an essay section that
will be scored. There are a few requirements that need to be fulfilled
in order to take this test.

Course Work Pre-requisites

A one year course work of Introductory
Biology, Inorganic Chemistry,
Organic Chemistry, Introductory Physics and English is one of the
requirements for this test. You must have completed one year with the
above subjects or must be within a few weeks of the course work
completion.

Decision on Test Date

You have to decide on a test date. The registration for the test
center and date will open 12 weeks before the test date. Since there
will be only limited seats available at a test center, you have to
register early to get your desired test center and date. The decision
on the test date must be taken after considering the time you will
require for the preparation. It is suggested that you take up the test
in the first few months of the calendar year. This will give you time
to retake the test at a later month as you can register for only one
test date at a time.

Registration for the MCAT Test

You cannot register for the test
at the center on the test day. You have to apply earlier. Applying
within the registration deadline is another point that you must
remember .
Registration closes 14 days prior to the exam date. You can still
register up to 7 days before the exam by paying a late registration
fee. MCAT accepts only online applications. You can apply at https://services.aamc.org/20/mcat/.
Once you have registered online, you will receive an e-mail with the
test details. The registration fees have to be paid by using Visa or
MasterCard credit cards only. Debit cards with Visa or MasterCard logo
is also accepted.
For applicants who are economically backward, the Association of
American Medical Colleges offers a Fee Assistance Program or the FAP.
If you avail their assistance, the registration fee is reduced to $85.
A free copy of The Official Guide to the MCAT exam and complimentary
access to the electronic version of the Medical School Admissions
Requirements (MSAR) is given to the FAP recipients for one year.

Application Filling

You have to be very careful while filling in the application for the test.
The name you give must be the same as in the identity card that you
will be carrying to the center. If there is any difference in the name
you will not be allowed to sit for the test.

Preparation

Preparation is one of the most important
requirement of the test.
MCAT is a competitive exam and more than 70,000 students take up the
test every year. If you want to join a prestigious medical school, your
MCAT score should be high. For this intensive preparation is required.
Different preparation options are available like online coaching, live
classes and self study. You have to decide on the preparation
methodology and start preparing at least 3 months before the test date.
If you are planning to devote your whole time for preparation then 3
months may be sufficient but if you pursue other activities along with
the preparation, then four to five months may be required for the
preparation.

International Students

There are no special eligibility conditions for
International students.

Special Permission

You have to accept a statement stating that the MCAT test is being
taken by you only for applying to a health professions school. If you
are taking the test for any other reason, you have to get a special
permission. The special permission can be got by sending a mail to mcat@aamc.org